❓ A WA parliamentary question seeks details on the Chevron-funded Northwest Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program, including committee composition, expenditure, and potential conflicts of interest. The Minister's response provides information on committee structure, role, expenditure plans, and Chevron's interests.
AnsweredQoN 2207Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
With regards to the Chevron funded Northwest Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program, and the $62.5 million that is being provided for turtle research, I ask -
(1) Has an advisory committee been established for this program?
(2) If yes to (1), -
(a) who are the members of this committee;
(b) what are their positions;
(c) what are their qualifications;
(d) who selected or appointed these members;
(e) did Chevron appoint any of these members;
(f) when will the committee start its work;
(g) what is the committee’s role and terms of reference;
(h) who does this committee report to; and
(i) will the minutes of its meetings be publicly available?
(3) If no to (2)(i), -
(a) why not;
(b) will the committee produce any reports; and
(c) will these reports be publicly available?
(4) If no to (3)(c), why not?
(5) Is the $62 million to be expended on flatback turtle conservation only?
(6) If no to (5), how else will this money be expended?
(7) How will the expenditure be accounted for and reported on?
(8) Does Chevron have interests in a number of areas utilised by flatbacked turtles?
(9) If yes to (8), please list these areas?
(10) Does this create a conflict of interest for the Chevron appointee on the committee?
(11) If no to (10), please explain?
(1) Has an advisory committee been established for this program?
(2) If yes to (1), -
(a) who are the members of this committee;
(b) what are their positions;
(c) what are their qualifications;
(d) who selected or appointed these members;
(e) did Chevron appoint any of these members;
(f) when will the committee start its work;
(g) what is the committee’s role and terms of reference;
(h) who does this committee report to; and
(i) will the minutes of its meetings be publicly available?
(3) If no to (2)(i), -
(a) why not;
(b) will the committee produce any reports; and
(c) will these reports be publicly available?
(4) If no to (3)(c), why not?
(5) Is the $62 million to be expended on flatback turtle conservation only?
(6) If no to (5), how else will this money be expended?
(7) How will the expenditure be accounted for and reported on?
(8) Does Chevron have interests in a number of areas utilised by flatbacked turtles?
(9) If yes to (8), please list these areas?
(10) Does this create a conflict of interest for the Chevron appointee on the committee?
(11) If no to (10), please explain?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
25 May 2010
Responded by
Minister for Environment
Response time
35 days
1 - 4) The Commonwealth Environment Minister, Gorgon Joint Venture participants and I each appoint a representative to the advisory committee. Gorgon Joint Venture participants and I also appoint an independent chair for the committee. I expect to seek nominations for the committee shortly.
Clause 11A(7)(c) of the Gorgon Gas Processing and Infrastructure Project Agreement 2003, as varied in November 2009, defines the committee's role as follows:
(i) provide advice and make recommendations to the Department of Environment and Conservation's (DEC) Director General on the general objectives and timeframes for delivery of the ongoing activities to be undertaken as part of the Northwest Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program and otherwise as to the establishment, development and implementation of that program as requested by DEC's Director General;
(ii) to receive and consider on an annual basis a report from DEC's Director General on the implementation of the Northwest Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program and activities proposed to be undertaken as part of it during the following three years; and
(iii) at the request from time to time of the State, consider and advise the State whether or not in the advisory committee's view (having regard to the advice of the scientific panel) the project is having a significant impact on the Northwest Shelf Flatback Turtle Population.
The committee will report to the Director General of DEC and while terms of reference and detailed governance arrangements are yet to be established, it is anticipated that finalised meeting minutes will be made available.
(5-6) Yes. Consistent with the terms of the Agreement, the Northwest Shelf Turtle Conservation Program will operate to increase the conservation and protection of the Northwest Shelf Flatback Turtle population including survey, monitoring and research; reducing interference to key breeding and feeding locations; and establishing information and education programs.
(7) Expenditure will be fully accounted for as required under relevant legislation and the Gorgon Gas Processing and Infrastructure Agreement 2003, as varied in November 2009. Specific governance and reporting arrangements are yet to be finalised.
(8-9) Yes Chevron has interests in Barrow Island and surrounding waters, Thevenard Island and surrounding waters and waters adjacent to the proposed Wheatstone Project at Onslow, Dampier (North West Shelf Venture) and Browse Basin.
(10-11)There is no conflict of interest. The committee's role is limited to advice and the programs will be developed and operated by DEC.
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Clause 11A(7)(c) of the Gorgon Gas Processing and Infrastructure Project Agreement 2003, as varied in November 2009, defines the committee's role as follows:
(i) provide advice and make recommendations to the Department of Environment and Conservation's (DEC) Director General on the general objectives and timeframes for delivery of the ongoing activities to be undertaken as part of the Northwest Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program and otherwise as to the establishment, development and implementation of that program as requested by DEC's Director General;
(ii) to receive and consider on an annual basis a report from DEC's Director General on the implementation of the Northwest Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program and activities proposed to be undertaken as part of it during the following three years; and
(iii) at the request from time to time of the State, consider and advise the State whether or not in the advisory committee's view (having regard to the advice of the scientific panel) the project is having a significant impact on the Northwest Shelf Flatback Turtle Population.
The committee will report to the Director General of DEC and while terms of reference and detailed governance arrangements are yet to be established, it is anticipated that finalised meeting minutes will be made available.
(5-6) Yes. Consistent with the terms of the Agreement, the Northwest Shelf Turtle Conservation Program will operate to increase the conservation and protection of the Northwest Shelf Flatback Turtle population including survey, monitoring and research; reducing interference to key breeding and feeding locations; and establishing information and education programs.
(7) Expenditure will be fully accounted for as required under relevant legislation and the Gorgon Gas Processing and Infrastructure Agreement 2003, as varied in November 2009. Specific governance and reporting arrangements are yet to be finalised.
(8-9) Yes Chevron has interests in Barrow Island and surrounding waters, Thevenard Island and surrounding waters and waters adjacent to the proposed Wheatstone Project at Onslow, Dampier (North West Shelf Venture) and Browse Basin.
(10-11)There is no conflict of interest. The committee's role is limited to advice and the programs will be developed and operated by DEC.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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